Vanda plant named ‘SPCDW1502’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Vanda  cultivar named ‘SPCDW1502’ which is characterized by large, prominent sepals and petals with a unique dark blue to purple color, and the stability of these characteristics from generation to generation.

Latin name of the genus and species: The Latin name of the genus andspecies of the novel variety disclosed herein is Vanda spp. Jones ex R.Br.

Variety denomination: The inventive variety of Vanda disclosed hereinhas been given the variety denomination ‘SPCDW1502’.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the Community Plant Variety Rightsapplication number 2015/0385, filed Feb. 17, 2015, which is hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parentage: The Vanda variety ‘SPCDW1502’ is the result of a plannedbreeding program. The new variety originated as a seedling from thecrossing of the unpatented, proprietary seed parent Vanda ‘T915’ withthe unpatented, proprietary pollen parent Vanda ‘370MK’. Both parentswere developed by, and are owned by, the inventor and were nevercommercially released. The crossing was made by the inventor in hisresearch greenhouse in Bangphra, Thailand in February of 2003.

The new variety was first selected in June of 2006, in a researchgreenhouse in Bangphra, Thailand belonging to the inventor. Afteridentifying the new variety as a potentially interesting selection, theinventor continued confidential testing and propagation of ‘SPCDW1502’,assessing stability of the unique characteristics of this variety.

Asexual Reproduction: Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar‘SPCDW1502’, by way of mericloning, was first initiated in September of2010 at a commercial laboratory belonging to the inventor in Bangphra,Thailand. Access to all plants was restricted, as plants were kept in agreenhouse not open to the public, and tissue culture plantlets were ina laboratory belonging to the inventor, and not accessible to thepublic. Through six subsequent generations, the unique features of thiscultivar have proven to be stable and true to type.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘SPCDW1502’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat withvariations in environment such as temperature, day length, and lightintensity, without, however, any variance in genotype. The followingtraits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the uniquecharacteristics of ‘SPCDW1502’. These characteristics in combinationdistinguish ‘SPCDW1502’ as a new and distinct Vanda cultivar:

-   -   1. Vanda ‘SPCDW1502’ exhibits a unique dark blue to purple sepal        and petal color; and    -   2. Vanda ‘SPCDW1502’ exhibits large, prominent sepals and        petals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to makethe same in color photographs of this type, an exemplary plant of‘SPCDW1502’ grown in a commercial greenhouse in Honselersdijk, theNetherlands. This plant is approximately 6 years old from the time ofmericloning, shown planted in an 8 by 8 cm container.

FIG. 2 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to makethe same in color photographs of this type, the typical foliage of‘SPCDW1502’.

FIG. 3 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to makethe same in color photographs of this type, the typical flower of‘SPCDW1502’.

FIG. 4 illustrates, as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to makethe same in color photographs of this type, the typical inflorescence of‘SPCDW1502’.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following observations and measurements made in January of 2016describe averages from a sample set of six specimens of six year-old‘SPCDW1502’ plants grown in a greenhouse in Honselersdijk, theNetherlands. Temperatures were approximately 23 degrees Celsius duringthe day and 19 degrees Celsius at night. No photoperiodic or chemicaltreatments were given to the plants. No artificial light was given tothe plants.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain characteristicswill vary with older or, conversely, with younger plants. ‘SPCDW1502’has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. Wheredimensions, sizes, colors and other characteristics are given, it is tobe understood that such characteristics are approximations or averagesset forth as accurately as practicable. The phenotype of the variety maydiffer from the descriptions set forth herein with variations inenvironmental, climatic and cultural conditions. Color notations arebased on The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, The RoyalHorticultural Society, London, 2015 (sixth edition).

A botanical description of ‘SPCDW1502’ and comparisons with othervarieties of Vanda are provided below.

-   Plant description:    -   -   Growth habit.—Perennial; monopodial, upright. Single            monopodial leafy stem, with flowers carried slightly above            the leaf plane, inflorescences grow from the leaf axils.        -   Average height from base (plant grown in hanging basket, so            no soil line present) to foliar plane.—31.8 cm.        -   Average height from base (plant grown in hanging basket, so            no soil line present) to top of floral plane.—34.6 cm.        -   Plant spread.—Average of 41.4 cm.        -   Appropriate container size.—8 cm by 2 cm rectangular hanging            basket.        -   Growth rate.—Moderate.        -   Plant vigor.—Moderate.        -   Propagation type.—Tissue culture propagation using the base            of the leaves.        -   Propagation details.—The time needed from for the start of a            mericlone to get the small plants ready for deflasking is            approximately 24 months under a controlled temperature of            about 26 degrees Celsius. After that period, plants have            matured roots. Plants start to make roots in the last 6            months in flasks. After deflasking they remain in a shaded            and controlled environment.        -   Disease and pest resistance or susceptibility.—Similar to            other Vanda varieties.        -   Environmental tolerances.—Adapt to, at least, USDA Zones 11            and 12 and temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius; high            tolerance to rain; moderate to high tolerance to wind.-   Root system:    -   -   General.—Densely rooting; with aerial roots only.        -   Dimensions, mature roots.—53.3 cm long with a diameter of            0.35 cm, on average.        -   Texture.—Very fleshy; non-fibrous.        -   Color.—Greyed-Green, near RHS 192C; root apex is            yellow-green, RHS 148A.-   Stem:    -   -   Branching habit.—Monopodial; no lateral branches present.        -   Number of primary (main) stems per plant.—One.        -   Number of secondary (lateral) branches per plant.—None.        -   Appearance and shape.—Circular, formed by the leaf sheaths.        -   Length.—14.5 cm.        -   Diameter.—1.0 cm.        -   Internode length.—0.4 cm.        -   Luster.—Matte.        -   Aspect.—Near vertical.        -   Strength.—Very strong.        -   Color, juvenile.—Yellow-green, near RHS 145D.        -   Color, mature.—Yellow-green, near RHS 145D.        -   Color at internodes.—Yellow-green, near RHS 145D.        -   Pubescence.—Glabrous.-   Foliage:    -   -   Arrangement.—Distichous.        -   Quantity.—Approximately 25 leaves per plant.        -   Dimensions.—22.4 cm long and 2.9 cm wide, on average.        -   Shape of blade.—Ligulate; moderately to strongly carinate.        -   Aspect.—Slightly to moderately curved.        -   Apex.—Unequal praemorse.        -   Base.—Sheathing.        -   Sheath dimensions.—3.0 cm long and 1.2 cm wide, on average.        -   Sheath color.—Yellow-green, in between RHS 144B.        -   Margin.—Entire.        -   Pubescence, texture and luster of adaxial surface.—Glabrous,            smooth, and very slightly glossy.        -   Pubescence, texture and luster of abaxial surface.—Glabrous,            smooth, and very slightly glossy.        -   Color.—Juvenile foliage, adaxial surface — Green, near RHS            143B, and darker towards the margins, in between 141B and            143A. Juvenile foliage, abaxial surface — Green, near RHS            143A to 143B. Mature foliage, adaxial surface — Green to            yellow-green, in between RHS 143A and 146A, yet slightly            darker. Mature foliage, abaxial surface — Green to            yellow-green, in between RHS 143B and 146B.        -   Venation.—Parallel.        -   Venation color, adaxial surface.—Green to yellow-green, in            between RHS 143A and 146A, yet slightly darker.        -   Venation color, abaxial surface.—Green, RHS 143B to 143C.        -   Petiole.—No petioles present, leaves sessile.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   Inflorescence arrangement.—Axially placed raceme.        -   Natural flowering season.—Autumn into winter.        -   Time to flower.—Approximately 10 months.        -   Flowers per inflorescence.—Average of 8; 7 open flowers and            1 bud.        -   Inflorescence height.—Approximately 21.8 cm (measured from            base of lowest flower to top of upper flower).        -   Inflorescence diameter.—Approximately 19.6 cm.        -   Peduncle.—Dimensions — Approximately 31.0 cm long and 0.6 cm            wide. Aspect — Generally at a 25 degree angle to lateral            branch axis; ranging from 20 degrees to 30 degrees to            lateral branch axis. Strength — Moderately strong. Texture            and luster — Glabrous and moderately glossy. Color — Green,            RHS 143B.-   Bud:    -   -   Length.—Average of 1.2 cm.        -   Diameter.—Average horizontal diameter is 1.3 cm; the            vertical diameter is 1.6 mm.        -   Shape.—Cubic, with a deltoid apex which is pointed downward.        -   Pubescence, texture and luster.—Glabrous, smooth and            moderately glossy.        -   Color.—Yellow-green, near RHS 145A to 145B, and very            strongly tinged greyed-purple, near RHS N187A.-   Flower:    -   -   Flower type.—Zygomorphic (orchidaceous), typical shape for            the genus Vanda.        -   Flowering habit.—Moderate.        -   Shape.—Zygomorphic, single; consisting of three sepals and            three petals, one of which is transformed into a labellum.        -   Aspect.—Flowers are outward-facing to slightly nodding.        -   Vertical height.—Approximately 8.9 cm.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 8.9 cm.        -   Depth.—Approximately 3.2 cm.        -   Fragrance.—No fragrance.        -   Lastingness.—3 weeks, on average.        -   Persistent.—Self-cleaning.        -   Petals.—Quantity of Petals — 3 unfused petals; two            conventional petals and one labellum. Arrangement — One            lateral petal on each side. Length — Approximately 4.6 cm.            Width — Approximately 4.1 cm. Shape — Broad ovate to near            orbicular. Apex — Obtuse. Base — Cuneate. Margin — Entire;            moderately undulate. Pubescence, texture and luster of upper            surface — Glabrous, velvety and matte. Pubescence, texture            and luster of lower surface — Glabrous, velvety and matte.            Color when opening, upper surface — Violet-blue, near RHS            90C; veined violet, RHS 85A. Color when opening, lower            surface — Violet-blue, near RHS 90B; veined violet, RHS 85A.            Color when fully opened, upper surface — Violet, in between            RHS 86C and N88B. Color when fully opened, lower surface —            Violet, near N88C. Fading, upper surface — Not fading.            Fading, lower surface — Not fading. Venation — Reticulate.            Venation color, fully opened, upper surface — Violet, in            between RHS 86A and N88A; closest to 86A. Venation color,            fully opened, lower surface — Violet, in between RHS 86A and            N88A; slightly closer to N88A.        -   Labellum.—Shape — Three-lobed, lateral lobes involute,            central lobe strongly revolute. Length — Central lobe —            Approximately 2.1 cm. Lateral lobes — Approximately 0.9 cm.            Width — Central lobe — Approximately 1.1 cm. Lateral lobes —            Approximately 0.8 cm. Apex, central lobe — Emarginate. Apex,            lateral lobes — Obtuse. Base, central and lateral lobes —            Cuneate. Margin, central lobe — Entire; slightly undulate.            Margin, lateral lobes — Entire; not undulate. Texture and            luster of upper surface — Central lobe — Glabrous, velvety,            and matte. Lateral lobes — Glabrous, velvety, and matte.            Texture and luster of lower surface — Central lobe —            Glabrous, velvety, and matte; moderately glossy at the apex.            Lateral lobes — Glabrous, velvety, and matte. Color when            opening, upper surface — Central lobe — Violet-blue, near            RHS N92A; base is slightly lighter, violet to violet-blue,            in between RHS 83A and N92A. Lateral lobes — Purple, near            RHS N77D; apex is darker, near N77B. Color when opening,            lower surface — Central lobe — Violet to violet-blue, in            between RHS 83A and N92A, and fading towards the base, near            RHS N88D. Lateral lobes — Purple-violet, near RHS N82C; apex            is darker, near RHS N82A. Color when fully opened, upper            surface — Central lobe — Violet-blue, near RHS N92A; base is            slightly lighter, violet to violet-blue, in between RHS 83A            and N92A Lateral lobes — Violet, near RHS 86D. Color when            fully opened, lower surface — Central lobe — Violet, near            RHS 86C, and lighter towards the base, near RHS N87C to            N87D; apex is violet-blue, near RHS N92A. Lateral lobes —            Violet RHS N88C; apex is violet, near RHS N87B. Fading,            upper surface — Not fading. Fading, lower surface — Not            fading. Venation — Reticulate. Venation color, fully opened,            upper surface — Central lobe — Violet-blue, near RHS N92A;            base is slightly lighter, violet to violet-blue, in between            RHS 83A and N92A. Lateral lobes — Violet, near RHS 86D.            Venation color, fully opened, lower surface — Central lobe —            Violet, near RHS 86C, and lighter towards the base, near RHS            N87C to N87D; apex is violet-blue, near RHS N92A. Lateral            lobes — Violet RHS N88C; apex is violet, near RHS N87B.        -   Callosities.—Dimensions — 1.4 cm long and 0.7 cm wide, on            average. Color — Violet, near RHS N87A.        -   Spurs.—Quantity — Average of 1. Length — Approximalely            0.5 cm. Diameter — Approximately 0.6 cm. Vertical height —            Approximately 0.5 cm, at the base. Shape — Short triangular.            Apex — Bluntly acute. Base — Broad Cuneate. Pubescence,            texture and luster — Glabrous, smooth, and matte. Color —            Violet, near RHS 85D, and striped darker, near N87C to N87D.        -   Sepals.—Quantity — Average of 3 unfused sepals. Arrangement            — One dorsal sepal and two lateral sepals. Length — Dorsal            sepal — Approximately 4.9 cm. Lateral sepals — Approximately            5.2 cm. Width — Dorsal sepal — Approximately 4.7 cm. Lateral            sepals — Approximately 5.8 cm. Shape — Dorsal sepal — Broad            ovate. Lateral sepals — Reniform. Apex, dorsal and lateral            sepals — Obtuse. Base, dorsal and lateral sepals — Cuneate.            Margin, dorsal and lateral sepals — Entire; all sepals are            slightly to moderately undulate. Pubescence, texture and            luster — Glabrous, velvety, and matte on both the upper and            lower sepal surfaces. Color when opening, upper surface —            Dorsal sepal — Violet-blue, near RHS 90C; veined violet RHS            85A. Lateral sepals — Greyed-purple, near N187B, and tinged            violet-blue, near RHS 90C; veined violet RHS 85A. Color when            opening, lower surface — Dorsal sepal — Violet-blue, near            RHS 90A to 90B. Lateral sepals — Violet to violet-blue, in            between N88B and 90B. Color when fully opened, upper surface            — Dorsal sepal — Violet, in between 86C and N88B. Lateral            sepals — Violet, in between 86C and N88B. Color when fully            opened, lower surface — Dorsal sepal — Violet, near N88C.            Lateral sepals — Violet, near N88C. Fading, upper surface —            The color of all sepals does not fade. Fading, lower surface            — The color of all sepals does not fade. Venation —            Reticulate. Venation color, fully opened, upper surface —            Both dorsal and lateral sepals are violet, in between RHS            86A and N88A; slightly closer to RHS 86A. Venation color,            fully opened, lower surface — Both dorsal and lateral sepals            are violet, in between RHS 86A and N88A; slightly closer to            RHS N88A.        -   Pedicels.—Length — Approximately 5.7 cm. Diameter —            Approximately 0.4 cm. Angle — Approximately 80 degree angle            to peduncle axis. Strength — Moderate. Texture — Glabrous,            axially angled with 5 “ribs”, axially twisted (due to            resupination). Luster — Glossy. Color — Violet, near RHS 83B            to 83D; tinged violet-purple, near RHS N82C, at the proximal            end.        -   Bract.—Quantity — One bract present at the base of each            pedicel. Shape — Broad ovate to reniform; folded around the            base of each pedicel. Dimensions — Average of 0.9 cm long            and 1.1 cm wide. Apex — Broad acute. Base — Broad Cuneate.            Margins — Entire. Color, both surfaces — Yellow-green, near            RHS 151B.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Column.—Length — Approximately 0.5 cm. Diameter —            Approximately 0.7 cm. Color — Violet, in between RHS 83B and            83C.        -   Ovary.—Position — Inferior. Diameter — Approximately 1.1 cm.            Color — Purple-violet N181A.        -   Pollinia color.—Yellow-orange RHS 22A.-   Seed and fruit: No fruit and seed production has been detected to    date.

COMPARISONS WITH THE PARENT PLANTS

Plants of the new cultivar ‘SPCDW1502’ are similar to the seed parent,Vanda ‘T915’, in most horticultural characteristics. However ‘SPCDW1502’differs from the seed parent in the following characteristics:

-   -   1. ‘SPCDW1502’ exhibits a larger plant size compared to ‘T915’.    -   2. The flowers of ‘SPCDW1502’ are larger than the flowers of        ‘T915’.    -   3. The flower color of ‘SPCDW1502’ is lighter blue compared to        the flower color of ‘T915’.    -   4. ‘SPCDW1502’ exhibits a slower growth rate when compared to        ‘T915’.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘SPCDW1502’ are similar to the pollen parent,Vanda ‘370MK’, in most horticultural characteristics. However‘SPCDW1502’ differs from the pollen parent in the followingcharacteristics:

-   -   1. ‘SPCDW1502’ exhibits narrower foliage than ‘370MK’.    -   2. The inflorescence of ‘SPCDW1502’ is taller than the        inflorescence of ‘370MK’.    -   3. ‘SPCDW1502’ is more free-flowering than ‘370MK’.    -   4. The flower color of ‘SPCDW1502’ is darker blue compared to        the flower color of ‘370MK’.

COMPARISON WITH THE MOST SIMILAR VANDA CULTIVAR KNOWN TO THE INVENTOR

A comparison of ‘SPCDW1502’ with the most similar Vanda cultivar knownto the inventor, Vanda ‘Princess Mikasa’ (not patented), is described inChart 1.

CHART 1 ‘Princess Characteristic ‘SPCDW1502’ Mikasa’ Average foliage 2.9cm. 2.3 cm. width Average flower Vertical height is 8.9 cm; Verticalheight is 9.3 cm; dimensions diameter is 8.9 cm. diameter is 9.2 cm.General colora- Violet-blue; veined violet. Violet; lower part of tionof petals petal finely dotted when opening violet. Length of label-Lateral lobes 0.9 cm; Lateral lobes 0.6 cm; lum central lobe 2.1 cm.central lobe 1.9 cm. Labellum apices Lateral lobes obtuse; Lateral lobesemarginate; central lobe emarginate. central lobe strongly emarginate.Labellum, color- Upper surface violet-blue Upper surface violet- ationof central with base slightly lighter, blue and slightly lighter lobewhen fully violet to violet-blue; lower at the base, violet; lower opensurface violet, with lighter surface violet and lighter violet towardsthe base towards the base. and violet-blue at the apex. Average sepalDorsal sepal is 4.9 cm Dorsal sepal is 4.6 cm dimensions long and 4.7 cmwide; long and 4.0 cm wide; lateral sepals are 5.2 cm lateral sepals are4.9 cm long and 5.8 cm wide. long and 4.6 cm wide. General color- Uppersurface of lateral All sepals are violet; ation of sepals sepals aregreyed-purple veins darker. when opening. and tinged violet-blue withdarker violet re- ticulate veining. Upper surface of dorsal sepal isviolet-blue with darker violet reticulate veining Lower surfaces of allse- pals is violet to violet-blue. Spur dimen- 0.5 cm long with a 0.8 cmlong with a hori- sions and shape horizontal diameter of 0.6 zontaldiameter of 0.25 cm and vertical height of cm and vertical height of 0.5cm; short triangular. 0.5 cm; flattened, narrow triangular.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Vanda plantnamed ‘SPCDW1502’, substantially as described and illustrated herein.